Windows Phone has long been criticised for lacking several of the big-name apps of its iOS and Android counterparts, with the likes of Vine and Instagram only arriving on the OS in recent months.

The report notes that Microsoft is unlikely to add native support for a rival platform, but could allow Android developers to sell their software on its stores via a third-party "enabler", which adds dual compatibility to apps.

Recent figures suggest that Windows Phone currently holds a 3% share of the mobile phone market, compared to iOS on 17.6% and market leader Android on 78.1%.

Microsoft is yet to officially confirm plans to support Android apps on Windows.